The morning sun streamed through the kitchen window, casting a warm golden glow on the wooden floor. Lala, still wearing her soft pink apron embroidered with tiny flowers, tiptoed quietly into the kitchen. Today was special, she decided. She wanted to do something nice for Siba, her loyal dog who had been by her side through thick and thin. After all, Siba had never missed a single morning walk, had always been there to comfort her during homework struggles, and had even made her laugh on days when nothing seemed funny.
Lala placed her small hands on the cool marble countertop and took a deep breath. She loved cooking, but what she loved even more was the joy of making something for someone she cared about. Today, that someone was Siba. With careful thought, she decided to make a delicious meal that was both healthy and comforting. After all, Siba deserved the best.
She started by opening the refrigerator. Fresh vegetables, eggs, and a piece of chicken she had saved yesterday greeted her. She smiled. “Perfect,” she whispered to herself. Lala carefully took out the ingredients and lined them neatly on the countertop. Carrots, peas, and sweet potatoes for vitamins; a small chicken breast for protein; and a pinch of turmeric for flavor and good health.
Before chopping, she washed her hands thoroughly and put on her tiny chef’s hat that always made her feel professional. Then, with deliberate care, she washed the vegetables. The sound of water splashing over the carrots and sweet potatoes seemed almost musical to her. She imagined Siba wagging his tail in excitement, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Next came chopping. Lala’s small hands worked carefully with a child-friendly knife. She cut the carrots into tiny cubes, just the right size for Siba to chew easily. The peas were already small, but she made sure to rinse them well. The sweet potatoes she sliced into thin, bite-sized pieces. She arranged all the chopped vegetables in little bowls, smiling at how colorful the mix looked.
Now, it was time to prepare the chicken. Lala had learned from Mom that the key to a tender, delicious piece of chicken was gentle handling and proper seasoning. She carefully removed the chicken from the refrigerator and rinsed it under cold water. Then, with a small sprinkle of turmeric and a dash of love, she rubbed the chicken gently. “This is for you, Siba,” she said softly, feeling a warm happiness bubble in her chest.
The next step was the most fun: cooking! Lala carefully set the stove to a low flame. She placed a small pot on the stove, adding a splash of water to cook the vegetables. The soft bubbling sound made the kitchen feel alive. She added the chopped carrots, peas, and sweet potatoes, stirring gently so they wouldn’t break apart. The sweet aroma of cooking vegetables filled the air, and Lala’s heart swelled with pride.
Meanwhile, she heated a small pan to cook the chicken. She laid the piece gently on the pan, listening to the soft sizzle as it cooked. Lala hummed a little tune she had made up, feeling completely absorbed in her task. Cooking for Siba wasn’t just about feeding him; it was about showing love, care, and thoughtfulness through every action.
As the chicken cooked, Lala prepared Siba’s favorite garnish: a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley for freshness and a hint of flavor. She carefully measured just the right amount, remembering that too much could upset Siba’s sensitive stomach. She added the garnish to the vegetable mix and stirred carefully. Everything looked vibrant and inviting.
Once the chicken was done, she let it cool for a moment before cutting it into small, dog-friendly pieces. She arranged the vegetables on Siba’s favorite plate and placed the chicken neatly on top. Lala stepped back to admire her work. The meal looked delicious, even to her own eyes, and she imagined Siba’s excited tail wagging in response.
Just then, she heard a familiar bark from the living room. Siba had sensed that something special was happening. Lala smiled and called, “Siba, dinner’s ready!” Within moments, Siba bounded into the kitchen, his eyes wide with excitement and curiosity. He sniffed the air, his tail wagging so fast it seemed almost like a blur.
Lala knelt down beside him and held out the plate. Siba sniffed the vegetables and chicken cautiously at first, but then, as if realizing the meal was made just for him, he dove in happily. Lala laughed at his enthusiasm. “I knew you’d love it,” she said, her eyes sparkling with joy. Watching Siba eat with such delight made all her careful preparation feel worth every second.
After Siba had finished, Lala gently patted his head. “Did you enjoy it?” she asked, even though she knew the answer. Siba responded with a happy bark, nuzzling her hand in thanks. Lala giggled. She felt a deep warmth inside her, knowing she had made someone she cared about truly happy.
Later, as she cleaned the kitchen, Lala thought about how small acts of love could make such a big difference. Preparing this meal for Siba wasn’t just about cooking; it was about paying attention, thinking of others, and giving her time and effort to someone who mattered. She realized that even small gestures, done thoughtfully, could bring immense joy.
By the time she had finished cleaning, the sun had started to set, casting a gentle orange hue across the kitchen. Lala looked out the window and saw Siba curled up in his favorite corner, looking content and peaceful. She smiled to herself, feeling proud of what she had accomplished. Cooking for Siba had taught her patience, care, and the simple happiness of giving.
That night, Lala went to bed with a happy heart, thinking about the joy she had shared with Siba. She knew that tomorrow would bring new opportunities to do something kind, to think thoughtfully, and to make life better for those she loved. But for now, she drifted off to sleep with a smile, dreaming of the happy, wagging tail of her beloved Siba.
And in the quiet kitchen, the faint aroma of her thoughtful cooking lingered, a gentle reminder that love, when prepared with care, always nourishes the heart as much as it does the stomach.
